The best teacher I ever had in my entire life was at my Chicago public high School, Mrs Susan Gross in the late 90's. She was an English teacher and always encouraged me with my writing, constantly reminded me that I was going to be something and I was going to go somewhere. She saw my love of books and would give me recommendations to read because I just loved to read. When I graduated I bought a crystal apple for her so she would always have an apple from her student that she would never have to throw away. I still write, I still have a deep, deep, deep, love for all things books and I still think about her and the impact she had on me. Her words that encouraged me and now that I'm an HR Manager I know it was those encouraging words that helped drive me just a little bit harder... just a little bit farther.